Yarmouth panel grants three-year extension to Great Island Ocean Club; dog enforcement discussed

George Doble, treasurer of the Great Island Ocean Club Homeowners Association, asked the Yarmouth Conservation Commission on Dec. 6 to extend an existing approval for three years under the same terms and conditions previously granted (previous approvals were prolonged under COVID tolling). Doble said the HOA works with Mass Audubon shorebird monitors and has a Fish and Wildlife letter recommending renewal.

Commissioners and Doble spent substantial time on recurring problems with dogs on the association’s beach during times when birds are protected. Doble said GIOC posts large signs and tells homeowners that "no dogs on the beach" and that the association can fine offenders $300. Commissioners noted that non-association property owners and beach visitors from neighboring public beaches sometimes cross into the HOA beach, and they urged outreach in the HOA newsletter and coordination with animal control and town lifeguards.

After discussion, a commissioner moved and another seconded to grant a three-year extension of the approval through Jan. 1, 2028, with all original special conditions. The vote carried 4–0. The commission also advised including original special conditions and time-of-year protections in the renewed approval.

The commission’s action preserves the existing monitoring and protective measures for shorebirds and the requirement that any violations of the order of conditions may be enforceable under the town’s wetlands regulations. The applicant was told the approval paperwork would either be mailed or could be picked up; the GIOC representative asked staff to send a note so the HOA can file it with its billing company.